The 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid Debuts with 248 HP, 7 Seats, and a Secret: It’s a Rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander

The “new” 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) marks Nissan’s debut of PHEV technology in the US, although it shares nearly all its engineering with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

There is a perfectly logical explanation why the “new” Rogue Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t look like any other version of the compact crossover. Simply put, it is not truly a Nissan product. Instead, it is a straightforward case of badge engineering. The model is essentially a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that uses different logos and a revised front grille. This way, the design aligns it with newer Nissan products, such as the Sentra and Leaf.

It is highly unusual for a model to gain a plug-in hybrid powertrain so late in its life cycle. The third-generation Rogue has been around for five years. However, only now is Nissan pairing a combustion engine with an electric motor. Although the press release never mentions “Mitsubishi,” the spec sheet makes the connection obvious. One must only spot the engine’s codename: “MMC [Mitsubishi Motors Corporation] 4B12”.

Mechanics: Performance, Battery, and Range

The 2026 Rogue carries over the Outlander PHEV’s electrified setup. Specifically, it uses a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter gasoline engine and one electric motor at each axle. The combined output matches the Mitsubishi’s: 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 20-kWh lithium-ion battery pack remains unchanged. Consequently, it delivers the same 38-mile (61 km) electric range. A full charge takes seven and a half hours using a Level 2 home charger. Adding the gas tank, the total driving range reaches 420 miles (676 km), which is also identical to that of its Mitsubishi counterpart.

Standard Equipment and Rivalry with E-Power

The Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid for the U.S. market, though it is not truly its own product. It sells exclusively with all-wheel drive. Furthermore, it offers seven seats as standard and seven drive modes: Normal, Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. Trim levels are straightforward, limited to SL and Platinum.

Both trims come with a nine-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and four USB ports. To enhance the experience, upgrading to the Platinum adds a 10-inch head-up display, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery, second-row manual sunshades, and an electric panoramic sunroof.

Pricing has not been announced, but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $42,675 (including destination and handling fees). Nissan will show the 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Afterward, it will reach dealers early next year.

The Future with E-Power

Despite its debut today, the Rogue PHEV may not last long. Nissan confirmed in March that production of the fourth-generation Rogue would begin during Japan’s fiscal year 2026 (running from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027). When it arrives, the new Rogue will be the brand’s first U.S. model with e-Power technology. In this system, the combustion engine acts solely as a generator to charge the battery. Essentially, it functions as a range extender, as the ICE does not drive the wheels.

The next Rogue will also offer a conventional internal combustion engine-only setup. In addition, a plug-in hybrid version will also be available. However, it remains unclear whether Nissan will develop the next PHEV in-house or if it will once again team up with Mitsubishi.